Ebonyi police command deploys officers for re-run elections

Abakaliki – The Ebonyi police command has deployed 400 officers to ensure security during Saturday’s state assembly re-run election in two constituencies.

Mr Adeola Adeniji, the Commissioner of Police in the state, disclosed the figure in Abakaliki on Friday during a meeting with stakeholders and political parties participating in the election.

The constituencies are Ishielu North and Ohaukwu South.

Reports have it that the Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu had in January nullified the election in both constituencies and that of Ezza South and ordered for a re-run within 90 days.

The election was nullified for massive irregularities and non-substantial compliance with the Electoral Act.

Adeniji, who is the Chairman of the Joint Inter-Agency Committee for Election Security in the state, noted that the officers would ensure adequate security at the 173 polling units in the two constituencies.

“Arrangements have been concluded to ensure adequate security of life, properties and electoral materials during the re-run elections.

“About four policemen and other security personnel would be deployed to each polling unit to maintain security and ensure orderly conduct of voters during the election.

“The command will, however, not tolerate any act of violence or intimidation of voters by politicians and other stakeholders during the elections,” he said.

He remarked that similar security measures would be adopted during the re-run election for Ezza South scheduled for March 14.

Mr Okey Ezeali, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ebonyi, said the commission would provide a level playing ground for the six political parties participating in the election.

“We will ensure that the elections are free and fair to meet the expectations of the electorate.

“All the electoral materials needed for the elections have arrived in the state, as anyone who contravenes provisions of the Electoral Act will be punished,” he said.

Some stakeholders who spoke on the occasion appealed to INEC to redress alleged acts of violence and electoral misconduct perpetrated by some officials and security agencies.

Chief Amos Nwali, an All Nigerian Peoples Party representative, alleged that the acts were conducted by the officials in connivance with agents of political parties during past elections in the state. (NAN)